Stone businesses urged to offer T Level placements to young people

Businesses in Stone and across Staffordshire are being encouraged to offer workplace placements to students studying T Levels, giving young people the chance to gain practical experience alongside their college studies.

Staffordshire County Council is asking more employers to get involved, following placements within its own departments and at Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT).

T Levels are two-year qualifications for young people who have completed their GCSEs. Equivalent in size to three A Levels, they combine classroom learning with practical experience in a workplace.

Students typically spend around 80 per cent of their course at school or college, with the remaining 20 per cent spent gaining experience with an employer.

Industry placements generally last at least 315 hours, approximately 45 working days, although some courses require longer placements.

Placements already leading to careers

Staffordshire County Council says 17 students have completed T Level placements within the authority, with another eight gaining experience in areas including business management, legal services, marketing, science and digital services.

At MPFT, 76 T Level students have undertaken placements over the past three years, working across healthcare, finance, business, digital and engineering services.

Claire French, Future Workforce Lead at MPFT, said:

“Over the last three years, we’ve welcomed 76 T Level students into placements across healthcare, business, finance, digital and engineering services and are expanding opportunities across more NHS careers, including social care.

“Students gain valuable workplace experience, while organisations benefit from fresh talent, innovative thinking and the opportunity to develop their future workforce.

“We’re proud to have seen students progress into apprenticeships and join our Trust Bank, demonstrating the positive impact these opportunities can have on future careers.”

The county council also reports that students who have undertaken placements have progressed into employment in the electric vehicle and digital industries, as well as apprenticeships with the authority.

Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said:

“Staffordshire businesses need skilled people to grow, and our young people need the opportunity to show what they can do. T Level placements help deliver both.

“For employers, this is a practical opportunity to bring new skills and ideas into their business, help develop young talent and potentially find a future employee.”

He encouraged businesses of all sizes to consider taking part.

“I’d encourage businesses of all sizes to speak to their local college or us about offering a placement. Giving a young person their first opportunity could also be a valuable investment in your own business.”

How local businesses can get involved

Employers do not necessarily have to accommodate a student for 45 consecutive days. Placements can be organised in blocks, as regular days in the workplace or through a combination of arrangements.

Businesses can also share placement hours with another employer, provided the overall placement meets the requirements of the qualification.

There is no fee to host a T Level student, and employers are not required to pay them, although there may be associated costs such as supervision or equipment.

Schools and colleges can help employers plan placements, identify suitable students and arrange the necessary support.

Businesses interested in offering a placement can contact Staffordshire County Council’s T Level Business Ambassadors.

• Leo Wilson-Weaver at leo.wilsonweaver@staffordshire.gov.uk
• Nick Tucker at nick.tucker@staffordshire.gov.uk

Further information about hosting a student is available through the government’s T Level employer guidance.

Young people interested in studying a T Level can find out more through Staffordshire Jobs and Careers.